JP2009195538A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To achieve a reduction in production costs of a game machine eliminating performance with a liquid crystal display device by providing a performance highly impacting players with reels. <P>SOLUTION: Symbols on subreels are made of a non-fluorescent material and the circumference of the symbols in the outer circumferential surfaces of the subreels is made of a fluorescent material. A cathode tube for irradiation with visible light and a blacklight for irradiation with ultraviolet rays are arranged for lighting the subreels. When the BB1 or the BB2 (big bonus) linked to the operation of a bonus game is won by internal lottery, the cathode tube is turned off for three games thereafter and the blacklight is lit. To make the BB1 be a display winning combination, the lining up of three red 7s (501) is needed on the subreels and to make the BB2 be the display winning combination, the lining up of three blue 7s (502) is needed on the subreels. The blacklight lights the entire circumference of the subreels from inside the drums of the subreels and the subreels are made of a light permeable material. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachislot machine.

  Conventionally, a plurality of reels in which a plurality of symbols are arranged on the respective circumferential surfaces, and a plurality of reels corresponding to each of the reels, a part of the plurality of symbols arranged on the circumferential surface of each reel. Requests to start reel rotation based on player's operation (hereinafter referred to as “start operation”) on condition that a display window for displaying the symbol so that the player can see and a medal is inserted A start switch that outputs a signal to perform, a stop switch that outputs a signal requesting the stop of rotation of the reel according to the type of the reel, based on an operation by the player (hereinafter referred to as “stop operation”), and these start A gaming machine (so-called pachislot machine) having a control unit that controls the operation of the motor based on signals output from the switch and the stop switch, and rotates and stops each reel is known. To have. In such a pachi-slot, it is determined whether or not a winning is made based on a combination of symbols displayed by the plurality of display windows, and medals are paid out when it is determined that a winning is achieved.

  Currently, the mainstream pachislot machine performs an internal lottery when it detects a start operation by a player, and stops the reel rotation based on the result of the lottery and the timing of the stop operation by the player. For example, when the result related to winning is determined by the internal lottery described above (hereinafter, the result of the internal lottery is referred to as “internal winning combination”), the player performs a stop operation so that the winning is established. Even after the operation is performed, the rotation of the reel continues within a predetermined period (for example, 190 ms), and then stops. Further, if the internal winning combination related to winning is not determined, the rotation of the reel is stopped so that winning is not established. In other words, in such a game machine, a stop operation (so-called “eye push”) at an appropriate timing is required in many situations, and what combination of symbols is displayed on the display window when the rotation of the reel is stopped. Is related to the timing of the stop operation, that is, the skill of the player.

Further, Patent Document 1 discloses a gaming machine that includes a liquid crystal display device on the front surface of a reel and performs effects by the liquid crystal display device.
JP 2004-166912 A

  However, in a gaming machine, it is necessary to provide an expensive liquid crystal display device to produce an effect using a liquid crystal display device, which may increase the manufacturing cost of the gaming machine.

  An object of the present invention is to make it possible to produce an effect that can give an impact to a player by means of a reel, thereby making an effect by a liquid crystal display device unnecessary, and reducing the manufacturing cost of the gaming machine.

  (1) In the present invention, a plurality of symbols are respectively attached to the outer peripheral surface, the symbol is formed of a non-fluorescent material, and the periphery of the symbol on the outer peripheral surface is formed of a fluorescent material. A plurality of reels, a display window for displaying the symbol corresponding to each of the reels, a plurality of combination defining means for defining a plurality of combinations including a first combination for operating a bonus game, and the combination defining means Defines a combination of a plurality of symbols displayed in the display window corresponding to each of the plurality of roles defined by the above, and defines a first symbol combination corresponding to the first role A symbol combination defining means, a start operation detecting means for detecting a start operation, and an internal winning combination from among the roles defined by the role defining means triggered by detection of the start operation performed by the start operation detecting means. Decide the role Triggered by detection of an internal winning combination lottery means for performing lottery for the purpose, internal winning combination determining means for determining an internal winning combination based on lottery by the winning combination lottery means, and detection of a start operation performed by the start operation detecting means Displayed on the display window based on the detection of the stop operation performed by the stop operation detecting means performed by the stop operation detecting means for detecting the stop operation, the stop changing operation means for changing the symbol displayed on the display window. Stop control means for stopping and controlling the fluctuation of the symbol, first illumination for irradiating the reel with light having a visible light region in the center of the light spectrum, and a reel provided in the drum of the reel. A combination of the second illumination that irradiates light having an ultraviolet light region as the center of the light spectrum with respect to the front circumference and the first symbol after being internally hit by the first role is displayed on the display window. A number-of-games counting means for counting the number of unit games until and when the first combination is won internally, the first illumination is turned off and the second illumination is turned on. When the number of times has been reached, the combination of the lighting control means for turning off the second lighting and turning on the first lighting, the internal winning combination for the first role, and the display of the first symbol When the stop control is performed so as to be displayed in the window, bonus game operating means for operating the bonus game, and until the game number counting means reaches a predetermined number of times after internally winning the first combination When the stop control is performed so that the first symbol combination is displayed on the display window, the first symbol combination is displayed on the display window during the bonus game. To stop control The game machine is characterized by comprising profit providing means for providing a profit that is relatively advantageous to the player compared to when the game is not performed.

  (2) In this case, the combination defining means defines a second combination that is related to the payout of a predetermined amount of game value, and the symbol combination defining unit corresponds to the second combination. The bonus game actuating means increases the probability of internal winning of the second combination during a game other than during the bonus game, and the profit granting means When the stop control is performed so that the combination of the first symbols is displayed on the display window until the number-of-games counting means reaches a predetermined number of times after the internal winning of the role of 1, the bonus is During the game, when the second winning combination is internally won, the profit may be given by notifying the second winning fact of the internal winning.

  (3) Further, the combination defining means defines two types of the first combination, and the combination combination defining unit selects different combinations of the first designs corresponding to the two types of the first combination. The two types of the first symbols may have the same outline shape.

  According to the invention of (1), after the internal winning of the first combination, if the first combination becomes a display combination during the predetermined number of unit games, the number of unit games is exceeded after the predetermined number of unit games is exceeded. As compared with the case where the first combination becomes a display combination, a profit advantageous to the player is given in the bonus game. Therefore, after the player has won the first combination and the second illumination is turned on, the player tries to align the combinations of the first symbols related to the first combination within a predetermined number of unit games. . At this time, since the first illumination is turned off and the second illumination is turned on, the design of the reel looks like a black shadow and is not obvious. Therefore, the player guesses the first symbol from the contour of the symbol that looks like a black shadow and performs a stop operation, so that the first symbol is rushed within the predetermined number of unit games. The interest of the game can be improved as compared with the case where the symbols can be clearly seen in the illumination of the above.

  Further, since the second illumination illuminates the entire circumference of the reel from within the drum of the reel and the reel is translucent, when the second illumination illuminates the reel, the player sees through the display window. You can also see that the area around the pattern on the opposite side is emitting light. As a result, it is possible to see that the symbol on the opposite side as viewed from the player of the reel moves like a black shadow, so that the player can locate where the first symbol on the opposite side is located. You will be wondering if you should stop, and you can further improve the fun of the game.

  Then, such a highly entertaining game can be performed without using an effect produced by the liquid crystal display device, and the manufacturing cost of the gaming machine can be reduced.

  According to the invention of (2), since the player is provided with the benefit of notifying the player that the second winning combination has been internally won, the second symbol relating to the second winning combination by the stop operation is provided. A lot of game value can be arranged during the bonus game. Therefore, the player guesses the first symbol from the contour of the symbol that looks like a black shadow and performs a stop operation, so that the first symbol is rushed within the predetermined number of unit games. The interest of the game can be improved as compared with the case where the symbols can be clearly seen in the illumination of the above.

  According to the invention of (3), since there are two types of second symbols, and these have the same outline shape, the player looks like a black shadow when the reel is illuminated by the second illumination. It is difficult to discriminate which of the two types of the second symbol from the outline of. Therefore, the player guesses which of the two first symbols is from the outline of the symbol that looks like a black shadow and performs a stop operation, and the first symbol is placed within a predetermined number of unit games. Since it is going to be uplifting, it is possible to further improve the interest of the game.

  Hereinafter, the configuration and operation of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[External configuration]
FIG. 1 is a front view showing an appearance of a gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment. The gaming machine 1 is specifically an example of a pachislot machine. The gaming machine 1 is a gaming machine that uses a gaming medium such as a card that stores information on gaming value assigned to or given to a player in addition to coins, medals, gaming balls, tokens, and the like. However, in the following description, medals are used as game media.

  Three small main reels 2, 3, 4 are provided inside the cabinet behind the frame provided at the center of the control panel of the gaming machine 1. Hereinafter, the main reel 2 is also referred to as a left reel 2, the main reel 3 is also referred to as a middle reel 3, and the main reel 4 is also referred to as a right reel 4. Each of the main reels 2 to 4 is rotated vertically, and a symbol row in which a plurality of types of symbols are arranged is drawn on the outer peripheral surface thereof. In addition, sub-reels 5, 6 and 7 larger than the main reels 2 to 4 are provided inside the cabinet above the main reels 2 to 4. Each of the sub reels 5 to 7 rotates vertically, and a symbol row in which a plurality of types of symbols for effect display are arranged is drawn on the outer peripheral surface thereof. Further, one horizontal rotation reel (4th reel) 8 is provided in the cabinet above the sub reels 5 to 7 above the gaming machine 1. The 4th reel 8 rotates horizontally, and a symbol row in which a plurality of types of symbols for effect display are arranged is drawn on the outer peripheral surface thereof.

  A reel display window 39 is provided at the front part of the main reels 2 to 4, and through this reel display window 39, a symbol row drawn on the outer peripheral surface of each main reel 2 to 4 is equivalent to three symbols. Visible in range. Further, a reel display window 50 is provided in front of the sub reels 5 to 7, and the display windows 5A, 6A, and 7A formed on the reel display window 50 are passed through the outer peripheral surfaces of the sub reels 5 to 7. The drawn symbol sequence can be visually recognized within the range of three symbols. In addition, a reel display window 51 is provided at the front of the 4th reel 8. Through the reel display window 51, a symbol row drawn on the outer peripheral surface of the construction reel 8 is within a range of one symbol. It can be visually recognized.

  The main reels 2 to 4, the sub reels 5 to 7, and the 4th reel 8 are all configured with a reel band pasted on the outer periphery of the reel drum, and the symbol row is drawn on the reel band. . In addition, inside each reel drum constituting the main reels 2 to 4 and the 4th reel 8, LEDs that emit light in various colors that illuminate the pattern drawn on the reel band attached to each reel drum from behind. Reel back lamps 47a, 47b, 47c made of (light emitting diodes) and a reel back lamp 49 (see FIG. 3) are provided. Reel lamp groups 48a, 48b, and 48c for irradiating light to the sub reels 5 to 7 are also provided.

  The control panel on the right side of the reel display window 39 is provided with a slot 9 for a player to insert medals. Prior to the start of the game, when a player inserts a medal from the insertion slot 9, a plurality of winning lines (not shown in FIG. 1) on the reel display window 39 and the display windows 5A to 7A of the reel display window 50 are displayed. A plurality of pay lines (not shown) are activated. When a combination of predetermined symbols is aligned on the activated pay line (valid line), a display combination is established.

  In the reel display window 50 on the left side of the display windows 5A to 7A, from the top, a bonus count display unit 10, medal insertion number display lamps (bet lamps) 13 to 15, a payout number display unit 16, and a stored number display unit 17 are displayed. , And game operation indicators 18 to 22 are provided. The bonus count display unit 10 is composed of a three-digit 7-segment LED, and digitally displays the number of remaining winnings that can be won in an RB (regular bonus) gaming state, which will be described later, when the bonus game is activated. The medal insertion number display lamps (bet lamps) 13 to 15 are controlled to be lit according to the number of inserted medals, and inform the player of the number of inserted medals at that time. The payout number display unit 16 is composed of a two-digit 7-segment LED and displays the number of medals paid out by winning. The stored number display unit 17 is composed of a three-digit 7-segment LED and displays the number of medals currently credited in the apparatus. The game operation indicators 18 to 22 are controlled to be turned on according to the game situation, and inform the player of the game situation at that time.

  The reel display window 50 on the right side of the display windows 5A to 7A is provided with a game number display 23, a game state suggestion lamp 24, a start lamp 25, a WIN lamp 26, and an insert lamp 27 from the top. Yes. The number-of-games display unit 23 is made up of a three-digit 7-sediment LED and digitally displays a predetermined number of remaining games. The gaming state suggestion lamp 24 includes a gaming state suggestion lamp 24a and a gaming state suggestion lamp 24b, and lighting control is performed according to the gaming state. The start lamp 25 blinks when the main reels 2 to 4 are operable. The WIN lamp 26 is turned on when a winning combination (internal winning combination) relating to the operation of the bonus game is determined. Further, the insert lamp 27 is lit when the insertion slot 9 can accept insertion of medals.

  The control panel on the left side of the reel display window 39 includes a 1-stored medal insertion button (1-bet button) 30, a 2-stored medal insertion button (2-bet button) 31, and a 3-storage medal insertion button (max bet button) 32. Is provided. Each of these stored medal insertion buttons 30 to 32 displays 1 to 3 medals in one game when the number of medals is displayed and credited in the stored number display unit 17. Used when betting instead of insertion.

  From the left side, a start lever 33, stop buttons (stop buttons) 34, 35, and 36, and a stored medal settlement button 37 are provided below the control panel provided with the reel display window 39.

  The start lever 33 is a lever for performing a start operation for starting a unit game (one game), and constitutes a start operation means. That is, the operation of the start lever 33 starts the rotation of the main reels 2 to 4 and the sub reels 5 to 7 all at once. That is, with the start operation as a trigger, the symbols displayed by the main reels 2 to 4 are changed.

  The left, middle, and right stop buttons 34, 35, and 36 are arranged corresponding to the left, middle, and right main reels 2, 3, and 4, respectively, and also correspond to the sub reels 5, 6, and 7, respectively. The operation is validated when the rotation of the main reels 2 to 4 reaches a constant speed, and the rotation of the main reels 2 to 4 and the sub reels 5 to 7 is stopped according to the player's operation. Stop operation. Each of the stop buttons 34 to 36 constitute stop operation means for stopping the change of the symbols in a plurality of rows by the main reels 2 to 4. Here, when all the main reels 2 to 4 and the sub reels 5 to 7 are rotating, the first stop operation performed after the first stop operation and the second stop operation performed after the first stop operation are performed. The stop operation performed after the stop operation and the second stop operation is referred to as a third stop operation. The first reel stop is referred to as a first stop, the second reel stop is referred to as a second stop, and the third reel stop is referred to as a third stop.

  The stored medal settlement button 37 is used to switch between playing a game by crediting medals in the apparatus or directly inserting a medal into the slot 9 and playing all medals credited inside the apparatus. Used when paying out and paying.

  A medal tray 52 is provided at the lower front portion of the gaming machine 1. The medal tray 52 stores medals paid out from the medal payout opening 53. A speaker 54 is provided to the right of the medal payout opening 53. A pair of speakers 96 and 96 are also provided on the left and right sides of the reel display window 51 at the upper front of the gaming machine 1.

  Inside the housing of the gaming machine 1, there are a setting button (not shown) operated when setting a setting value of a payout rate and a reset button (not shown) operated when selecting a setting value of a payout rate. Is provided. The payout rate indicates the ratio of the total number of medals paid out to the total number of medals inserted into the gaming machine 1. In this example, six levels of setting values 1 to 6 are prepared.

  Here, “unit game (1 game)” means that the main reels 2 to 4 rotate in response to the player's operation on the start lever 33 and then the main game in response to the player's operation on the stop buttons 34 to 36. The rotation of the reels 2 to 4 stops, and the start of the next game is permitted until the medals are paid out according to the combination of symbols aligned on the winning line activated at this time (next time Before the game).

[Hardware configuration]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical connection of a main control board (main control board) 61 that controls the game processing operation of the gaming machine 1, and FIG. 3 is a sub-control that controls the rendering operation of the gaming machine 1. 6 is a block diagram showing electrical connection of a control system centering on a substrate (sub control substrate) 62. FIG.

  The control unit in the main control board 61 shown in FIG. 2 includes a microcomputer 63 as a main component, and is added with a circuit for random number sampling. The microcomputer 63 includes a CPU (main CPU) 64 that performs a control operation in accordance with a preset program, a program ROM 65 that stores various programs and fixed data, and a control RAM 66 with a backup function that serves as a work area for the CPU 64. ing.

  The CPU 64 includes a clock pulse generation circuit 67 that generates a reference clock pulse, a frequency divider 68 that divides the reference clock pulse, a random number generator 69 that generates a certain range of random numbers, and 1 of the generated random numbers. A sampling circuit 70 for specifying one is connected. Further, the CPU 64 is connected to an I / O port (input / output port) 71 that exchanges signals with various peripheral devices described later.

  The main actuators whose operation is controlled by a control signal from the microcomputer 63 include a stepping motor 45 that rotationally drives each main reel 2 to 4, various lamps (bet lamps 13 to 15, start lamp 25, WIN lamp 26, insert Lamp 27), various display units (game operation indicators 18 to 22, stored number display unit 17, bonus count display unit 10, game number display unit 23, payout number display unit 16), hopper 72 for storing medals, and the like. . These are driven by a motor drive circuit 73, each lamp drive circuit 74, each display unit drive circuit 75, and a hopper drive circuit 76, respectively. These drive circuits 73 to 76 are connected to the CPU 64 via the I / O port 71.

  Further, as main input signal generating means for generating an input signal necessary for the microcomputer 63 to generate a control signal, the operation of the inserted medal sensor 9S for detecting the medal inserted from the insertion slot 9 and the start lever 33 is performed. Detection start switch 33S, storage medal insertion buttons 30, 31, 32 detecting operation of stored medal insertion switches 30S, 31S, 32S, storage medal adjustment switch 37S detecting operation of stored medal adjustment button 37, setting button not shown There are a setting switch 56S for detecting the operation of the reset button and a reset switch 55S for detecting the operation of the reset button.

  The start switch 33S constitutes start operation detecting means for detecting that a unit game start operation has been performed by inserting a medal into the insertion slot 9 and operating the start lever 33. The random number generator 69 constitutes random number generating means for generating a random number.

  Further, as the input signal generating means, a reel position detection circuit 77 for detecting the rotational position of each main reel 2 to 4 in response to an output pulse signal from a photo sensor provided inside each main reel 2 to 4. There is. The photo sensor is included in the driving mechanism of each main reel 2 to 4 and is not shown in FIG.

  The reel position detection circuit 77 counts the number of drive pulses supplied to each of the stepping motors 45 after the rotation of the main reels 2 to 4 is started, and this count value is written in a predetermined area of the control RAM 66. Therefore, in the control RAM 66, for each of the main reels 2 to 4, a count value corresponding to the rotation position within one rotation range is stored as a reel index indicating the rotation position of the main reel. The photosensor generates a reset pulse every time the main reels 2 to 4 make one rotation. The reset pulse is recognized by the CPU 64 via the reel position detection circuit 77, and the count value of the drive pulse counted by the control RAM 66 is cleared to “0”. By this clearing process, a shift that occurs between the movement display of each symbol and the rotation of each stepping smoke 45 is eliminated every rotation.

  Here, symbol positions “0” to “17” for identifying each of the symbols arranged on the peripheral surfaces of the main reels 2 to 4 are sequentially defined from the reel rotation direction, as will be described later. Has been. The reel position detection circuit 77 detects the reel index so that the symbol corresponding to the symbol position “0” is positioned on the center line. For example, when the value of the symbol counter stored in the RAM 66 that counts the number of symbols by detecting the reel index becomes “0”, the symbol corresponding to the symbol position “0” is positioned at the center line, As a result, the symbol counter is associated with the symbol position. Therefore, by referring to the symbol counter, it is possible to identify the symbol located on the center line.

  A reel stop signal circuit 78 that generates a signal for stopping the corresponding main reels 2 to 4 when the stop buttons 34 to 36 are pressed, a medal detection unit 72S that counts the number of medals paid out from the hopper 72, and a payout completion (not shown) The signal generation circuit serves as input signal generation means. These are also connected to the CPU 64 via the I / O port 71. The payout completion signal generation circuit pays out medals when the actually paid out medal count value input from the medal detection unit 72S reaches the payout number data represented by the count signal input from each display unit drive circuit 75. Generates a signal to detect completion of

  The reel stop signal circuit 78 constitutes a stop operation detecting means for detecting a stop operation of a changing symbol. Further, the stepping motor 45, the motor drive circuit 73, the reel position detection circuit 77, and the microcomputer 63 are based on the symbols displayed by the main reels 2 to 4 based on the detection of the symbol stop operation performed by the reel stop signal circuit 78. The stop control means is configured to display the symbols corresponding to the internal winning combination determined from among the symbols within a predetermined symbol variation range and to stop the variation of the symbols displayed by the main reels 2 to 4. Further, the hopper 72, the medal detection unit 72S, the hopper driving circuit 76, the payout completion signal generation circuit, and the microcomputer 63 give the player a medal based on the combination of symbols stopped and displayed on the main reels 2 to 4 by the stop control means. A game medium payout means for paying out the game.

  A sub-control unit communication port 79 is connected to the I / O port 71, and the microcomputer 63 sends a signal to the sub-control board 62 via the sub-control unit communication port 79. The sub control board 62 shown in FIG. 3 is provided with a main control unit communication port 88 that receives this signal via the main sub relay board 97 and the sub relay board 98. Communication between the sub control unit communication port 79 and the main control unit communication port 88 is performed only in one direction from the sub control unit communication port 79 to the main control unit communication port 88 (from the main control unit communication port 88 to the sub control unit communication port 88). The control signal is not transmitted to the control unit communication port 79). In the present embodiment, the control signal (command) sent from the sub-control unit communication boat 79 to the main control unit communication port 88 is a 7-bit command type indicating the control type and a maximum 24-bit length. It consists of parameters that describe the contents of the command.

  The sub control board 62 performs a predetermined effect based on a command transmitted from the main control board 61. The control unit in the sub-control board 62 is configured with the microcomputer 81 as a main component. Similarly to the microcomputer 63 on the main control board 61, the microcomputer 81 also has a CPU (sub CPU) 82 that performs a control operation according to a preset program, a ROM 83 that stores various control programs and fixed data, and a work area of the CPU 82. And a control RAM 84 with a backup function. Also connected to the CPU 82 are a clock pulse generation circuit 85 that generates a reference clock pulse, a frequency divider 86 that divides the reference clock pulse, and an I / O port 87 that exchanges signals with each actuator. ing.

  The CPU 82 performs overall control processing of game effects according to a predetermined processing procedure. This processing procedure is stored in the ROM 83 as a sequence program. The CPU 82 is connected to the ROM 83 through the address bus disconnect circuit 89 and the data bus through the data bus disconnect circuit 90. The L level signal is output via the I / O port 87, and subsequently, the L level signal is also output via the I / O port 87 to the output enable terminals E of the disconnecting circuits 89 and 90.

  In each of the disconnecting circuits 89 and 90, when the H level signal is input to the output enable terminal E, the data output terminal is in a high impedance state, and the CPU 82 and the ROM 83 are electrically insulated. Thus, the address bus data and data bus data input from the CPU 82 to the data input terminals of the disconnecting circuits 89 and 90 are not output from the data output terminals of the disconnecting circuits 89 and 90, respectively. However, when the L level signal is input to the respective output enable terminals E, the disconnecting circuits 89 and 90 receive the address bus data and data bus data input from the CPU 82 to the respective data input terminals as they are from the data output terminals. Output. By this data output, the CPU 82 can access to read out information from the ROM 83 via the address bus and the data bus.

  The sub-relay substrate 98 is connected to a sub-reel control unit 62a and a lateral rotation reel control unit 62b. The actuators whose operation is controlled by a control signal from the microcomputer 81 include stepping motors 101 and 102 that rotate and drive the sub reels 5 to 7 in the sub reel control unit 62a, and the 4th reel 8 in the horizontal rotation reel control unit 62b, respectively. Reel back lamps 47a to 47c built in -4, reel lamp groups 48a to 48c provided for the sub reels 5 to 7, reel back lamp 49 built in the laterally rotating reel, and the aforementioned game state suggestion lamp 24. There is. The stepping motors 101 and 102 are driven by motor drive circuits 103 and 104, respectively. Further, lighting of the reel back lamps 47 a to 47 c and the game state suggestion lamp 24 is controlled by a drive signal from a lamp drive circuit 89 connected to the I / O port 87. The reel lamp groups 48a to 48c and the reel back lamp 49 are controlled by drive signals from the lamp drive circuits 107 and 108, respectively. The lamp driving circuits 107 and 108 are connected to the sub relay board 98 and operate based on a command from the CPU 82.

  As an input signal generating means for generating an input signal necessary for the microcomputer 81 to generate a control signal, an output pulse signal from a photosensor provided on the sub reels 5 to 7 and the 4th reel 8 is received, and the sub reels 5 to 7 are received. There are reel position detection circuits 105 and 106 for detecting the rotational positions of the 7th and 4th reels 8. This photosensor is included in the drive mechanism of each of the sub reels 5 to 7 and 4th reel 8, and is not shown in FIG.

  A ROM 83 is connected to the sound source IC 91 via an address bus and a data bus. The ROM 83 stores audio data in addition to the sequence program of the CPU 82, and the chip select terminal S is connected to the I / O port 87. The sound source IC 91 transmits the output of the power amplifier 92 to the speakers 54, 96, and 96 through the I / O port 87, the main control unit communication port 88, and the sub relay board 98 under the control of the microcomputer 81 to output sound. . The microcomputer 81 controls the sound source IC 91 and the word amplifier 92 in accordance with instructions input from the main control board 61 via the main sub-relay board 97, the sub-relay board 98, and the main control unit communication port 88. Sound effects such as operation sounds, stop button operation sounds, and game sounds during bonus games are output from the speakers 54, 96, and 96. In addition, sound is output from the speakers 54, 96, and 96 with a sound output pattern based on the presentation mode selected based on the game state and the internal winning combination information fetched from the main control board 61.

  The sound source IC 91 includes a control terminal C connected to the I / O port 87, a bus release control terminal Z, and a reset terminal R, and outputs sound from the speakers 54, 96, and 96 according to signals input to the control terminal C. To control. Further, when the signal input to the bus opening control terminal Z is at L level, the sound source IC 91 enables the address bus and the data bus and enables read information access to the ROM 83 using each bus. However, when the signal input to the bus opening control terminal Z is at the H level, the address bus and the data bus are set to the high impedance state, and the electrical connection between the sound source IC 91 and the ROM 83 is cut off to perform the information read access to the ROM 83. To lose. When the sound source IC 91 detects that a high level signal is input to the reset terminal R, the sound source IC 91 starts its operation.

  The address bus disconnection circuit 89, the data bus disconnection circuit 90, and the CPU 82 described above control signals input to the output enable terminal K of each isolation circuit 89, 90 and the bus release control terminal Z of the sound source IC 91. The information read access to the ROM 83 is restricted to either the CPU 82 or the sound source IC 91, and access adjustment is performed so as not to allow simultaneous access. That is, when the CPU 82 is to perform information read access to the ROM 83, an L level signal is input to the output enable terminal E of each disconnection circuit 89, 90 by this access arbitration, and the address bus between the CPU 82 and the ROM 83. And the data bus are electrically connected, and an H level signal is input to the bus opening control terminal Z of the sound source IC 91, so that the electrical connection by the address bus and data bus between the sound source IC 91 and the ROM 83 is established. I will be refused. On the other hand, when the sound source IC 91 is to perform information reading access to the ROM 83, an H level signal is input to the output enable terminal E of each of the disconnecting circuits 89 and 90 by the access arbitration, and the address bus between the CPU 82 and the ROM 83. In addition, the electrical connection by the data bus is cut off, the L level signal is input to the bus opening control terminal Z of the sound source IC 91, and the address bus and the data bus between the sound source IC 91 and the ROM 83 are electrically connected. To be.

  The bus opening control terminal Z of the sound source IC 91 and the chip select terminal S of the ROM 83 are connected to the dividing circuit 93. When the signal input to the bus release control terminal Z is at the L level and the signal input to the chip select terminal S is also at the L level, the dividing circuit 93 falls into a state where the CPU 82 cannot perform control processing and is in a runaway state. H level signals are output to the output enable terminals E of the address bus disconnection circuit 89 and the data bus disconnection circuit 90, and the address bus and data bus between the CPU 82 and the ROM 83 are electrically connected. Keep it insulated. The dividing circuit 93 divides an electrical connection path through which the CPU 82 accesses the ROM 83 when the CPU 82 falls into a state where control processing cannot be performed.

  FIG. 4 is a right side view of the sub reels 5 to 7 and their surroundings. In FIG. 4, the player visually recognizes the sub reels 5 to 7 in the direction indicated by the arrow 405. Each of the aforementioned reel lamp groups 48a, 48b, and 48c includes a cathode tube 404 and a black light 403. The cathode tube 403 serving as the first illumination is an illumination that irradiates light having the visible light region as the center of the light spectrum, and the black light 404 serving as the second illumination has the ultraviolet light region as the center of the light spectrum. It is illumination that irradiates light.

  The cathode tube 404 and the black light 403 are provided on both surfaces of the lighting plate 402 and are arranged in the drums of the sub reels 5 to 7 inside the gaming machine 1. That is, the cathode tube 404 and the black light 403 serve as the backlights of the sub reels 5 to 7, but the cathode tube 404 and the black light 403 illuminate the player side of the sub reels 5 to 7 displayed on the reel display window 50. Not only the position (the position ahead of the arrow 405) but also the entire position of the sub reels 5 to 7 and especially the position on the side opposite to the player side of the sub reels 5 to 7 (position 410) can be sufficiently illuminated. it can.

[Main tables and storage areas]
Next, various main tables and various storage areas used in the main control board 61 will be described. These tables are stored in the program ROM 65 or the like, and a storage area or the like is prepared in the control RAM 66 or the like.

  The symbol arrangement table will be described with reference to FIG.

  The symbol arrangement table represents the configuration of symbols arranged around each reel as data. FIG. 4 is a symbol arrangement table for the main reels 2, 3 and 4. In the symbol arrangement table, when the reel index is detected, the symbol located in the middle of each symbol display area is set as symbol position “0”, and symbol positions “0” to “17” corresponding to the symbol counter described above are displayed. The symbol type corresponding to each symbol position is defined. Each symbol type is represented by 1-byte data. Therefore, based on the symbol arrangement table and the symbol counter, a symbol located in the middle of the symbol display area of each reel, a symbol adjacent to the symbol, and the like can be specified. The symbols displayed on the main reels 2, 3, and 4 are referred to as special symbols.

  In the main reels 2, 3, and 4, the position of the symbol that will eventually become the stop control position when the player performs a stop operation at a certain symbol position ranges from the symbol position when the stop button is pressed to 3 frames. It is. In other words, the maximum number of sliding frames including the symbol position when the stop button is pressed is 3 frames.

  Next, the internal lottery table determination table of the main control board 61 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The internal lottery table determination table is a table for determining an internal lottery table, which will be described later, according to the gaming state. That is, the internal lottery table for the general gaming state is determined in the general gaming state, the internal lottery table for the RT gaming state is determined, and the internal lottery table for the RB gaming state is determined in the RB gaming state. In addition, regardless of the general gaming state or the RT gaming state, when the value of the carryover combination storage area described later is 1 and there is a carryover combination, the number of lotteries described later is determined as 23, and the carryover combination storage area value is 0. When there is no winning combination, the number of lotteries is determined to be 20. Further, in the RB gaming state, the number of lotteries is determined to be 4 regardless of whether there is a carryover combination.

  Next, the internal lottery table of the main control board 61 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  In the internal lottery table, lottery values and data pointers assigned for each winning number are defined. Two types of data pointers are defined: a small role / replay type and a bonus type.

  In the internal lottery table, the same number as the number of lotteries determined based on the internal lottery table determination table is selected first. Then, the lottery value corresponding to the current winning number is subtracted from the random number value extracted from the numerical range of “0 to 65535” (the denominator 65536). Select the data pointer for the small role / replay and the bonus. If there is no digit, “1” is added to the current winning number, and the lottery value corresponding to the winning number after the addition is further subtracted from the subtracted value. For example, the data pointer for the small role / replay and bonus corresponding to the winning number is selected. If no digit is set, “1” is added to the current winning number. Thereafter, the same processing is repeated until a digit is performed or a subtraction for the number of lotteries described later is performed. A loss when it is not performed digits hunting even if there is no winning number. Thus, the internal lottery table is a table for performing lottery for determining the data pointers for the small role / replay and the bonus. The data pointers for the small combination / replay and bonus are data for specifying the winning request flag by the internal winning combination determination table described later, and the winning request flag is data for specifying the internal winning combination. .

  FIG. 7 shows an internal lottery table for a general gaming state used in the general gaming state. FIG. 7 is an internal lottery table in the case where the set value is 1, and the number of inserted medals is 3 in the general gaming state. In the internal game state internal lottery table, in addition to the small role and replay, BB (big bonus) 1, BB2, MB (middle bonus) are also lottery.

  FIG. 8 shows an internal lottery table for the RB gaming state used in the RB (regular bonus) gaming state. FIG. 7 is an internal lottery table common to all setting values for the above-described setting values, and the number of inserted medals is 2 in the RB gaming state. In the internal lottery table for the RB gaming state, as shown in a small combination / replay internal winning combination determination table described later, the small combination of the small combination / replay data pointers 1 to 4 is won. As is apparent from the lottery value in FIG. 8, in the RB gaming state, in most cases, the internal winning is either the middle cherry, the corner cherry, the special combination 1 or the special combination 2. In particular, the winning probabilities of special role 1 and special role 2 are more than five times that of medium cherry and corner cherry, and the winning probabilities of special role 1 and special role 2 are equal.

  FIG. 9 shows an internal lottery table for during replay time (hereinafter abbreviated as “RT”) operation. This is an internal lottery table used during RT operation. In FIG. 9, the winning numbers 1 to 16 are the same as the internal lottery table for the general gaming state, and are not shown. FIG. 9 is an internal lottery table common to all set values for the above set values, and the number of inserted medals in RT is 3. In the internal lottery table for the general gaming state, the lottery value of the winning number 17 is defined as “8000”, whereas in the RT lottery table for RT operation, the lottery value of the winning number 17 is considerably larger than “40000”. It is stipulated in. That is, in the internal lottery table for RT operation, the winning probability of the small role / replay data pointer 5 of the winning number 17 (in the case of internal winning for replay described later) is larger than that of the internal lottery table for general gaming state. The structure is quite high. Therefore, during RT operation, the replay winning probability related to re-game operation is very high, so it is possible to reduce the consumption of medals compared to the case where the same number of unit games are performed in the general game state. It becomes.

  Next, the internal winning combination determination table of the main control board 61 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  As the internal winning combination determination table, a small winning combination / replay internal winning combination determination table shown in FIG. 10 and a bonus internal winning combination determination table shown in FIG. 11 are prepared. In these internal winning combination determination tables, the above-described data pointers for small roles / replays and bonuses are associated with the data of the hit request flag. The winning request flag is an identifier for specifying an internal winning combination.

  In the small winning combination / replay winning symbol determination table, for example, when the small winning combination / replay data pointer is “1”, the corner cherry becomes the internal winning combination, and the small winning combination / replay data pointer is “5”. The replay related to the re-game operation is an internal winning combination. When the small combination / replay data pointer is “0”, it is “lost” without any internal winning of any combination.

  In the bonus internal winning combination determination table, two types of BBs “BB1” and “BB2” corresponding to the bonus data pointers “3” and “2”, respectively, and the bonus data pointer “1” are set. Correspondingly, MBs are respectively defined. The bonus data pointer “0” is “losing”, and no bonus is won internally.

  Next, the symbol combination table of the main control board 61 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the symbol combination table, a symbol combination relating to the provision of a privilege, a display combination corresponding to the combination, a storage area type, and a payout number of medals are defined. The display combination is data for identifying the type of combination of symbols displayed in the symbol display area where the symbols of the main reels 2, 3, and 4 are displayed.

  When a cherry is displayed on the left reel 2, a cherry is displayed on the middle reel 3, and a cherry is displayed on the right reel 4, the display combination is determined to be a corner cherry. Similarly, the payout number of medals corresponding to the corner cherry is 15 when the number of inserted medals is 2, and 1 when the number is 3. When a cherry is displayed on the left reel 2, a cherry is displayed on the middle reel 3, and a cherry is displayed on the right reel 4, the display combination is determined to be a middle cherry. The number of medals corresponding to the medium cherry is 15 when the number of inserted medals is 2, and 2 when the number is 3. The reel display window 39 displays symbols on the upper, middle, and lower tiers of the main reels 2, 3, and 4. The difference between the displayed symbols of the corner cherry and the middle cherry is the upper or lower portion of the symbol display area of the left reel 2. There is a difference in the display position of the cherry symbol, such as whether the cherry is displayed on the left or whether the cherry is displayed in the middle of the symbol display area of the left reel 2.

  Similarly, in the symbol combination table, a symbol combination related to the provision of a privilege, a display combination, a storage area type, and a payout number corresponding thereto are defined. For example, the combination of “Red 7-Bell-Bell” is a special role 1 for a small role, and the number of medals to be paid out is 15 when the number of inserted medals is 2, and 15 when 3 is there. Similarly, the combination of the symbols “Blue 7-Bell-Bell” is special role 2 for small roles, and the number of medals to be paid out is 15 when the number of inserted medals is 2, and 15 when 3 It is. In FIG. 12, “−” is displayed as the number of medals to be paid out, which means that such a number of medals paid out cannot appear.

  When winning a replay, the replay is performed in the next game. In other words, the same number of medals as the number inserted in the game determined as the display combination are automatically inserted in the next game without being based on the player's insertion operation. Thereby, the player can play the next game without consuming medals.

  When “red 7-red 7-red 7” is sequentially displayed along the effective line in the symbol display area where the symbols of the main reels 2, 3, 4 are displayed, the display combination is determined as BB1. When BB1 is determined, the operation of the bonus game of BB1 is started. Similarly, when “blue 7-blue 7-blue 7” is sequentially displayed along the effective line in the symbol display area where the symbols of the main reels 2, 3, and 4 are displayed, the display combination is determined as BB2. . When BB2 is determined, the operation of the bonus game of BB2 is started. Similarly, when “red 7-red 7-blue 7” is sequentially displayed along the effective line in the symbol display area where the symbols of the main reels 2, 3 and 4 are displayed, the display combination is determined to be MB. . When the MB is determined, the operation of the MB bonus game is started.

  If the symbol combination displayed in the symbol display area of the main reels 2, 3, and 4 does not correspond to any of the symbol combinations defined in the symbol combination table, the display combination is determined to be lost. The

  Next, the bonus operation time table will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the bonus operation time table, data stored in a predetermined area of the control RAM 66 at the start of operation of the bonus game is defined. When the RB is operated, an RB operating flag in an operating flag storage area of the control RAM 66 described later is turned on, 12 is stored in the game possible number counter, and 8 is stored in the winning possible number counter. The game possible number counter is data for counting the number of unit games performed during the RB operation. The winning possible number counter is data for counting the number of times that a winning is determined during the RB operation (for example, a display combination related to a medal payout is determined). Further, when BB1 or BB2 (both are simply referred to as “BB”, the same applies hereinafter), a BB operating flag in an operating flag storage area of the control RAM 66, which will be described later, is turned on, and 345 is displayed in the bonus end number counter. Stored. The bonus end number counter is a counter for managing the total number of medals paid out during the operation of the BB.

  Next, the configuration of the internal winning combination storing area of the control RAM 66 of the main control board 61 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The internal winning combination storing area is divided into an internal winning combination storing area 1 and an internal winning combination storing area 2 shown in FIG. 14, and the internal winning combination storing area 1 and the internal winning combination storing area 2 are determined as the internal winning combination determination described above. It corresponds to the data of the hit request flag of the table. When the internal winning combination is determined, data indicating the internal winning combination is stored in the internal winning combination storing area.

  The control RAM 66 of the main control board 61 also stores a display combination storage area for storing display combination data. The structure of the display combination storage area is the same as the internal winning combination storage area shown in FIG. 14, and is similarly divided into a display combination storage area 1 and a display combination storage area 2.

  Next, the structure of the carryover combination storage area of the control RAM 66 of the main control board 61 will be described with reference to FIG.

  When the internal winning combination relating to the operation of the bonus game is determined by the internal winning combination determining table, an identifier (that is, a flag) indicating the internal winning combination is stored in the carryover combination storing area. Specifically, bit 5, bit 6, and bit 7 correspond to MB, BB1, and BB2, respectively. The identifier stored in the carryover combination storage area is cleared when the bonus game is started. That is, when an internal winning combination related to the operation of the bonus game is determined, the identifier is stored until the operation of the bonus game is started (so-called “carryover” is called, The stored identifier is called “carryover combination”). While the identifier is stored in the carryover combination storage area, the stored identifier is determined as the internal winning combination regardless of the extracted random value. In addition, since the carryover combination is determined based on the internal winning combination, it can be said to be a subordinate concept of the internal winning combination.

  Next, the configuration of the operating flag storage area of the control RAM 66 of the main control board 61 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the in-operation flag storage area, an identifier indicating the type is stored depending on whether the current operation is BB, RB, RT, or the like. Specifically, bits 0, 4, 5, 6, and 7 correspond to the RT operating flag, MB operating flag, CB (challenge bonus) operating flag, RB operating flag, and BB operating flag, respectively. is doing.

[Control operation of main control board]
Next, the control performed by the main CPU 64 of the main control board 61 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  First, a main process performed by the main CPU 64 of the main control board 61 will be described with reference to FIGS. 17 and 18. The main CPU 64 turns on the power and applies a voltage to the reset terminal to generate a reset interrupt, and sequentially performs the reset interrupt processing stored in the program ROM 65 based on the occurrence of the reset interrupt. It is configured as follows.

  When the power is turned on, first, the main CPU 64 performs an initialization process (step S1). In this process, a process of restoring the register data and execution address stored in the control RAM 66 when the power is shut off is performed. In this initialization process, the input of the setting switch 56S is checked, and if it is determined that the setting switch 56S is on, the setting value is changed. Specifically, any one of the set values “1” to “6” is stored in the set value storage area of the control RAM 66 based on the human power of the reset switch 55S and the start switch 33S.

  Next, the main CPU 64 clears the designated storage area in the control RAM 66 (step S2). In this process, data stored in various storage areas of the control RAM 66 is cleared. Next, the main CPU 64 performs a bonus operation monitoring process described later (step S3). In this process, a process for starting the operation of a necessary bonus game is performed. Next, the main CPU 64 performs medal acceptance / start check processing (step S4). In this process, the insertion number counter and the like are updated based on the input check of the insertion medal sensor 9S and the input of the start switch 33S is checked. Next, the main CPU 64 extracts a random number value and stores it in the random value storage area (step S5). In this process, random number values are extracted by the random number generator 69 and the sampling circuit 70 and stored in the random number storage area of the control RAM 66.

  Next, the main CPU 64 performs an internal lottery process described later (step S6). In this process, an internal winning combination is determined by lottery. Next, the main CPU 64 sets a start command in the communication data storage area in the control RAM 66 (step S7). The start command includes data such as an internal winning combination and a gaming state.

  Next, the main CPU 64 sets a reel rotation start command for notifying the start of rotation of the main reels 2, 3 and 4 (step S8), and requests the rotation start of all reels (step S9). When the start of rotation of all reels is requested, processing for starting rotation of the main reels 2, 3 and 4 is performed in an interrupt process described later. Next, the main CPU 64 performs a reel stop control process described later (step S10). In this process, a process for stopping the rotation of all the main reels 2, 3, 4 is performed.

  Next, the main CPU 64 refers to the symbol combination table (FIG. 12) and performs a process of determining a display combination and the like based on a symbol combination displayed along a predetermined effective line (step S11). In this process, a combination of symbols specified in the symbol combination table and a symbol combination displayed in the symbol display area of the main reels 2, 3 and 4 (a combination of three symbols arranged along one of the effective lines) ) Is compared with each other to determine whether or not they match. When they match, the corresponding display combination and medal payout number are determined, and each display combination storage area and the payout number counter are updated. If they do not match, the data stored in each display combination storage area is “0”, and the display combination is lost. In this way, when the rotation of all the reels is stopped by the stop control, whether or not a winning is determined is determined based on the combination of symbols displayed in the symbol display area of the main reels 2, 3 and 4. A privilege is given to the person.

  Next, the main CPU 64 sets a display command in the communication data storage area in the control RAM 66 (step S12). The display command includes data such as the determined display combination that is transmitted when all the main reels 2, 3, and 4 are stopped.

  Next, the main CPU 64 performs medal payout processing (step S13). In this process, the hopper 72 is controlled and the credit counter is updated based on the payout number counter. Next, the main CPU 64 updates the bonus end number counter based on the payout number (step S14). In this process, on the condition that the bonus end number counter is 1 or more, a value corresponding to the payout number is subtracted from the counter.

  Next, the main CPU 64 determines whether or not the BB or MB operating flag is on (step S15). When determining that the BB or MB operating flag is on, the main CPU 64 performs a bonus end check process described later (step S16). In this process, a process for ending the operation of the bonus game is performed based on determination of whether or not various counters stored in the control RAM 66 are updated to 0 when the bonus game is operated. When the BB and MB operating flag is off, the main CPU 64 performs RT game number control processing described later (step S17). In this process, the number of RT games is managed. Then, after step S16 or S17, a bonus operation check process described later is performed (step S18). In this process, a process for starting the operation of the bonus is performed based on the determined type of display combination. And after the above process, it returns to step S2.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 19, a description will be given bonus operation monitoring process (step S3).

  First, the main CPU 64 determines whether or not the BB operating flag is ON and the BB is operating (step S41). When the BB operating flag is ON, the RB operating flag is ON and the RB operating flag is ON. Whether or not is operating is determined (step S42). When the RB operating flag is off and the RB is not operating, the RB operating process is performed based on the bonus operating table (FIG. 13) (step S43). In the RB operation processing, processing such as turning on the RB operation flag is performed.

  If the BB operating flag is off and the BB is not operating (N in step S41), it is determined whether the MB operating flag is on and the MB is operating (step S44). If the MB operating flag is on and the MB is operating, the CB operating flag is turned on (step S45). Thus, CB operates during MB.

  Next, an internal lottery process (step S6) will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the main CPU 64 determines the type of the internal lottery table and the number of lotteries based on the current gaming state based on the above-described internal lottery table determination table (FIG. 6) (step S61). And the process which changes the internal lottery table to be used into the internal lottery table determined at step S61 is performed (step S62). Next, the main CPU 64 sets the extracted random number value (stored in step S6) stored in the random value storage area as a determination random number value, and sets 1 as the initial value of the winning number (step S63). .

  Then, referring to the internal lottery table (FIG. 7, FIG. 8, or FIG. 9), a lottery value based on the winning number is acquired (step S64). Then, the lottery value is subtracted from the determination random number value, and it is determined whether or not a digit is obtained by this subtraction (step S65). If a digit has been entered, the winning number for which the digit has been obtained is acquired as a winning number, and the process proceeds to step S69.

  If no digit is entered, “1” is added to the above-described winning number, and “1” is subtracted from the number of lotteries described above (step S66), thereby determining whether or not the number of lotteries has become zero. (Step S67). If the number of lotteries is not 0, the process returns to step S64, and the lottery value is again subtracted from the determination random number value, and it is determined whether or not a digit has been obtained by this subtraction (step S65). When it becomes 0, 0 is acquired as the winning number.

  These processes are repeated until a digit is performed (Y in Step S65) or until the number of lotteries becomes 0 (Y in Step S67). In this case, in the second and subsequent processes, the lottery value is subtracted from the random number data by further subtracting the lottery value from the remainder of the previous lottery value subtraction result. Thus, the original random number data value is reduced each time a repeated subtraction. Further, each time the above process is repeated, the number of lotteries decreases by one.

  When the winning number is acquired as described above, the data pointers for the small role / replay and bonus corresponding to the acquired winning number are acquired (steps S69 and S68). Then, the winning request flag is acquired based on the acquired small pointer / replay data pointer with reference to the small winning combination / replay internal winning combination determination table (FIG. 10) (step S70). Next, the winning request flag is stored in the internal winning combination storing area 1 (FIG. 14) (step S71).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the value of the carryover combination storage area (FIG. 15) is 0, that is, whether or not there is no carryover combination (step S72). If the value of the carryover combination storage area is 0 and there is no carryover combination, it is determined whether or not the bonus data pointer acquired in step S64 is 0 (step S73). When the bonus data pointer is 1 or more and BB or MB is internally won (N in step S73), refer to the bonus internal winning combination determination table (FIG. 11) and hit based on the bonus data pointer A request flag is acquired, and the acquired hit request flag is stored in the carryover combination storage area (step S74). That is, the address of the carryover combination storage area is set and stored. After the above processing, the logical sum of the carryover combination storing area and the internal winning combination storing area 2 is stored in the internal winning combination storing area 2 (step S75).

  Next, it is determined whether the CB operating flag is on and the CB is operating (step S76). When the CB operating flag is ON and CB is operating, bits 1 to 3 of the internal winning combination storing area 1 are set ON (step S79). As a result, when the CB is in operation, the corner cherries, medium cherries, bells, and watermelons can be awarded at any time.

  In other words, CB is a bonus game that is executed only for one game, and only the left reel 2 of the three main reels is controlled to stop within the range of 0 to 1 frame from the stop start position, almost as the player is aiming for. Stop control can be performed. Then, in the CB, each bit of the corner cherry, middle cherry, bell, and watermelon is turned on by turning on the bit of the internal winning combination storing area 1 described later for each of the corner cherry, middle cherry, bell, and watermelon small roles. Since the winning combination is won internally, the player can easily win these small combinations by pushing the left reel 2.

  Next, the reel stop control process (step S10) will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the main CPU 64 determines whether or not a valid stop button has been pressed (step S81). When a valid stop button is pressed, the pressing operation of the corresponding stop button 2, 3 or 4 is invalidated (step S82). Then, 4 is set as the number of checks (step S83). Thereafter, the symbol position having the highest priority is searched for within the range of the number of checks from the symbol position corresponding to the symbol counter (step S84). Then, to determine the number of sliding frames based on the result of the search (step S85).

  Next, the main CPU 64 determines whether or not the pressing operation of the stop button is due to the first stop (step S86). If it is due to the first stop, it is determined whether or not the number of sliding frames is 3, that is, the maximum number of sliding frames (step S87). When the number of sliding symbols is 3, which is the maximum number of sliding symbols, it is determined whether bit 6 or 7 in the carryover combination storage area (FIG. 14) is 1, that is, whether BB is established (step S88). When bit 6 or 7 of the carryover combination storage area is 0 and BB is not established, bit 1 of the internal winning combination storage area 1 (FIG. 13) is 0, that is, the small cherry medium cherry is established. It is determined whether or not there is (step S89). When BB is established (Y in step S88), or when the medium cherry is established (Y in step S89), the above-described variable lock control flag is turned on (step S90). Thus, for the first stopped reel, when the number of sliding frames is 3, which is the maximum number of sliding frames, and the BB is established or the medium cherry is established, the variable lock The player does not start the next game even if the player operates the start switch 33S for a predetermined time (less than 17 seconds) until the control flag is turned on and the lock timer (see steps S14 and S15) becomes 0. (Y in step S2). In this case, the middle cherry is a small part that can be missed, and when it is missed, the losing eyes are displayed on the main reels 2 to 4, so even if the losing eyes are displayed, the variable lock control flag is turned on (step S90), the lock timer is set (step S15).

  Next, the main CPU 64 proceeds to stop control position waiting (step S91). For example, if the determined number of sliding symbols is “2” and the stop start position is “18”, the stop control position is determined to be “1”. When the stop control position is determined, a process for stopping the rotation of the reel is performed based on the stop control position in an interrupt process described later. It should be noted that the number of sliding symbols and the stop control position are in an equivalent relationship because when one is determined, the other is also determined. Then, a reel stop command for notifying that the reel has been stopped is set (step S92), and it is determined whether there is a stop button for which the pressing operation is effective (step S93). Then, if the pressing operation is a valid stop button, it returns to the step S81.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 22, the bonus end check process (step S16) will be described.

  First, the main CPU 64 determines whether or not the RB operating flag is on and the RB is operating (step S101). If the RB operating flag is off, it is determined whether or not the bonus end number counter is 0 (step S102). When the bonus end number counter is 0, it means that the maximum number of acquired medals as a BB end condition has been reached, and therefore processing for BB / MB end to end BB is performed (step S105). Specifically, the BB operating flag in the aforementioned operating flag storage area of the control RAM 66 is turned off, and the bonus end number counter is cleared.

  Also, when the RB operating flag is on and the RB is operating, or when the bonus end number counter is 1 or more, the BB is operating or the MB is operating but the MB end condition This is a case where the maximum number of acquired medals has not been reached. In this case, the main CPU 64 determines whether or not a winning is achieved (step S103). When determining that a winning is achieved, the main CPU 64 determines whether or not the bonus end number counter is 0 (step S104). If the bonus end number counter is 0, BB / MB end processing is performed to end BB or MB (step S105). Specifically, the BB operating flag or the like in the aforementioned operating flag storage area of the control RAM 66 is turned off, and the winning possible number counter and the possible gaming number counter are cleared. Then, it is determined whether or not the BB has ended (step S106). If the BB has ended, an RT operating flag indicating that the RT is operating is set to ON (step S107). Also, 100 is set to the value of the RT game number counter for managing the number of RT games (step S108). That is, RT starts at the end of the BB bonus game and continues for 100 games. Since the processing at the end of BB / MB (step S105) is performed, a bonus end command for notifying the end of the bonus game is set in the communication data storage area in the control RAM 66 (step S109).

  On the other hand, if the bonus end number counter is not 0 (N in step S104), the winning possible number counter is decremented by 1 (step S110). The possible winning number counter and determines whether the 0 (step S111). When the winning possible number counter is 0, processing at the end of RB is performed (step S114), and RB is ended.

  If the winning count counter is not 0 (N in step S111), or if no winning is achieved (N in step S103), the game possible count counter is decremented by 1 (step S112), and the possible winning count is determined. If the counter is 0 (Y in step S113), RB end time processing is performed (step S114), and RB is ended.

  Next, the RT game number control process (step S17) will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the main CPU 64 determines whether or not the RT operating flag is on and the RT is operating (step S131). The RT in-operation flag is on, and when RT is in operation, 1 is subtracted from the value of the RT game number management counter that is a counter for managing the number of RT games (step S132). This is because RT is digested by one game. Then, it is determined whether the value of the RT game number counter reaches 0 (step S133). As described above, since RT continues in principle for 100 games (step S108), when RT is digested to 100 games and the value of the RT game number counter reaches 0, RT operation indicating that RT is operating. The middle flag is set to OFF (step S134), and RT is terminated.

  Next, the bonus operation check process (step S18) will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the main CPU 64 determines whether or not the display combination is MB (step S151). When determining that the display combination is MB, the main CPU 64 performs MB operation processing based on the bonus operation table (FIG. 13) (step S152).

  When the display combination is not MB, the main CPU 64 determines whether or not the display combination is BB (step S153). When the main CPU 64 determines that the display combination is BB, the main CPU 64 performs BB operation processing based on the bonus operation table (FIG. 13) (step S154). Further, since the BB operates, the value of the carryover combination storage area is cleared (step S155). Further, the RT operating flag is set to OFF (step S156). In other words, BB winning is a condition for ending RT. In addition, a bonus start command for notifying the start of the bonus game is set in the communication data storage area in the control RAM 66 (step S157).

  On the other hand, if the display combination is not BB, it is determined whether or not the display combination is replay (step S158). If the display combination is replay, the value of the inserted number counter is copied to the automatic insertion counter (step S158). S159). The insertion number counter is a counter that manages the number of inserted medals, and the automatic insertion counter is a counter that manages the number of medals automatically inserted. Thereby, in the next game, it is possible to play a game without inserting medals.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 25, a description will be given of an interrupt process with a cycle of 1.1173 ms, which is performed under the control of the main CPU 64 of the main control board 61. FIG.

  First, the main CPU 64 saves the register (step S191). Next, the main CPU 64 performs an input port check process (step S192). Specifically, the main CPU 64 checks the input of signals from each switch. Next, the main CPU 64 performs an input state command setting process (step S193). The input state command is a command for notifying the sub control board 62 of the input state of the start lever 33 and the stop buttons 34, 35, and 36. Here, the input of the start lever 33 and the stop buttons 34, 35, and 36 is checked. Line and set the input status command. Next, the main CPU 64 performs communication data transmission processing (step S194). Specifically, as described above, various commands set in the communication data storage area in the control RAM 66 are transmitted to the sub-control board 62 by this processing.

  Next, the main CPU 64 performs a reel control process (step S195). Specifically, if a reel rotation start request is made, the main reels 2, 3, and 4 are started to rotate at a constant speed. If the stop control position is determined, the rotation is decelerated and stopped after the symbol counter of the reel is updated to the same value as the stop control position. For example, if the symbol counter is “0” and the stop control position is “4”, the reel rotation is stopped when the symbol counter is updated to “4”.

  Next, the main CPU 64 performs lamp / 7 SEG drive processing (step S196). Specifically, the main CPU 64 performs processing such as lighting of the bet lamps 9a, 9b, and 9c based on the insertion number counter and displaying the number of payouts on the information display unit 18. Next, the main CPU 64 performs timer management processing (step S197) and restores the register (step S198). When this process ends, the interrupt process with a cycle of 1.1173 ms ends.

[Sub reel, 4th reel]
FIG. 26 is a plan view of symbols formed on the outer peripheral surfaces 5a, 6a, and 7a of the sub reels 5, 6, and 7. FIG. Symbol positions “0” to “20” are also written on the symbols of the outer peripheral surfaces 5a, 6a, and 7a of the sub reels 5, 6, and 7, respectively. Also, the direction of symbol movement caused by the rotation of the sub reels 5, 6 and 7 is indicated by arrows. The symbols on the outer peripheral surfaces 5a, 6a, and 7a of the sub reels 5, 6, and 7 are made of a non-fluorescent material, and the fluorescent material is formed on the peripheral surfaces of the outer peripheral surfaces 5a, 6a, and 7a. Yes. The fluorescent material here refers to a material having a short emission lifetime that emits light when irradiated with ultraviolet rays, but disappears as soon as the ultraviolet irradiation is stopped. Excludes phosphorescent materials that continue to emit light for a while even after UV light is turned off.

  Therefore, when the outer peripheral surfaces 5a, 6a, and 7a of the sub reels 5, 6, and 7 are irradiated with the cathode tube 403, the cathode tube 403 emits light having a visible light region as the center of the light spectrum, and thus the outer peripheral surfaces 5a, 6a, The symbols on 7a can be clearly seen.

  In contrast, when the outer peripheral surfaces 5a, 6a, and 7a of the sub reels 5, 6, and 7 are irradiated with the black light 404, the black light 404 irradiates light having the ultraviolet light region as the center of the light spectrum. As shown, the surroundings of the symbols on the outer peripheral surfaces 5a, 6a, and 7a emit light, but the symbols remain dark, so that the symbols on the outer peripheral surfaces 5a, 6a, and 7a are shining around. The black shadow outline appears.

  Among the symbols on the outer peripheral surfaces 5a, 6a, and 7a, red 7 (reference numeral 501) and blue 7 (reference numeral 502) are viewed by the cathode tube 403 when irradiated with visible light (FIG. 26). It can be clearly identified. However, since the outline shapes of red 7 (reference numeral 501) and blue 7 (reference numeral 502) are the same, they cannot be easily identified when viewed by irradiating ultraviolet light with the black light 404 (FIG. 27).

  The sub reels 5, 6, and 7 are made of a light-transmitting material. Therefore, the player can position the player on the player side of the sub reels 5 to 7 shown in FIG. Not only the previous position) but also the position of the sub reels 5 to 7 opposite to the player side (position 410) can be visually recognized.

  Although not shown, various symbols are also displayed on the outer peripheral surface of the 4th reel 8. The symbols include, for example, symbols reminiscent of “red 7” and “blue 7” displayed on the outer peripheral surfaces 5a, 6a, 7a of the sub reels 5, 6, 7.

[Tables used on the sub control board]
FIG. 28 is an explanatory diagram of the symbol arrangement table of the sub reels 5, 6 and 7.

  The symbol arrangement table is stored in the ROM 83. In the symbol arrangement table, when the reel index is detected, the symbol located in the middle stage of each symbol display area is set as symbol position “0”, and the sub reels 5, 6, 4 are used as in the case of the main reels 2, 3, 4. 7 (left reel 5, middle reel 6, right reel 7) The symbol positions “0” to “20” corresponding to the symbol counter and the symbol type corresponding to each symbol position are defined. Each symbol type is represented by 1-byte data. Therefore, based on the symbol arrangement table and the symbol counter, a symbol located in the middle of the symbol display area of each reel, a symbol adjacent to the symbol, and the like can be specified. The symbols on the sub reels 5, 6, and 7 are referred to as decorative symbols.

  Although not shown, the symbol arrangement table of the 4th reel 8 is also stored in the ROM 83.

  FIG. 29 is a comparison table between the special symbols of the main reels 2, 3, 4 and the decorative symbols of the sub reels 5, 6, 7, and the data is stored in the ROM 83. That is, information on what symbol position the sub reels 5, 6 and 7 are stopped at when the variable display is controlled to stop is transmitted from the main control board 61 to the sub control board 62 by the reel stop command. The stop symbol positions of the sub reels 5, 6, and 7 are determined by the stop symbol positions of the main reels 2, 3, and 4. FIG. 29 shows the correspondence between the two, and the combination of symbols on the main reels 2, 3 and 4 and the combination of symbols on the sub reels 5, 6 and 7 are in a one-to-one correspondence. For example, a cherry symbol is displayed on the left reel 2, an ANY symbol ("ANY" indicates that any symbol can be displayed. The same applies hereinafter) is displayed on the middle reel 3, and an ANY symbol is displayed on the left reel 4. The left reel 5 displays a cherry symbol, the middle reel 6 displays an ANY symbol, and the left reel 4 displays an ANY symbol. Therefore, by referring to the comparison table of FIG. 29 according to the combination of each stop symbol of the main reels 2, 3, and 4 notified by the command from the main control board 61 as described later, the sub reels 5, 6, and 7 A combination of stop symbols can be determined. In addition, what is illustrated in FIG. 29 is only a part of the correspondence relationship between the special symbols and the decorative symbols.

[Control operation of sub-control circuit]
Next, the control performed by the sub control board 62 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  In the processing described below, a multi-thread, multi-task operating system is adopted as an OS (operating system) that executes processing. That is, a certain task group and another task group execute processing while preemption (preemption) of the execution right.

  FIG. 30 is a flowchart for explaining processing executed when the gaming machine 1 is powered on.

  When the gaming machine 1 is powered on, the sub CPU 82 performs an initialization process (step S301). Specifically, an error check of the control RAM 84, a task system initialization, and the like are performed. Next, the sub CPU 82 performs ramp control task activation (step S302) described later, sound control task activation (step S303) described later, and sub reel control task activation (step S304) described later. These are groups of tasks that perform interrupt processing every time a certain time elapses due to a timer. Next, the sub CPU 82 activates a main board communication task described later (step S305). This is a group of tasks that perform interrupt processing when a command is received from the main control board 61.

  The lamp control task started in step S302 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, the sub CPU 82 performs predetermined initialization processing on lamp-related data such as the reel back lamps 47a to 47c and the reel lamps 48a to 48c (step S321). Next, the sub CPU 82 waits for an event of 2 ms (step S322). That is, other tasks are executed until a 2 ms interrupt event message is received. Then, after waiting for an event of 2 ms, the sound control task is executed (step S323). That is, jump from the lamp control task to the sound control task. Next, when returning to the lamp control task after executing the sound control task, the lamp control task is restarted from the process of extracting and analyzing the lamp data from the lamp storage area (step S324). The lamp data is effect data for lighting and driving lamps such as the reel back lamps 47 a to 47 c and the reel lamp groups 48 a to 48 c, and the lamp storage area exists in the ROM 83. Then, as will be described later, a lamp lighting control process for lighting each lamp for production is performed (step S325). In this lamp lighting control processing, processing such as switching the illumination to be lit in the reel lamp groups 48 a to 48 c from the cathode tube 403 to the black light 404 is also performed.

  The sound control task activated in step S303 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, the sub CPU 82 performs predetermined initialization processing on sound-related data output from the speakers 54, 96, and 96 (step S351). Next, the sub CPU 82 executes a sub reel control task described later (step S352). That is, the process jumps from step S352 to the sub reel control task. Next, when returning to the sound control task after executing the sub-reel control task, the sound control task is restarted from the process of retrieving the sound data from the lamp storage area (step S353). The sound data is effect data for outputting sound from the speakers 54, 96, and 96, and a sound storage area exists in the ROM 83 (actual sound data exists in the sound source IC 91). Then, the extracted sound data is analyzed (step S354), and sound output control processing for outputting sound from the speakers 54, 96, 96 is performed (step S355).

  The sub reel control task activated in step S304 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, the sub CPU 82 performs a predetermined initialization process on data related to the sub reels 5 to 7 (step S371). Next, the sub CPU 82 executes the lamp control task described above (step S372). That is, the process jumps from step S372 to the lamp control task. Next, when returning to the sub-reel control task after executing the ramp control task, the sub-reel control task is restarted from the process of retrieving the effect data of the sub-reel from the effect reel storage area (step S373). The effect data for the sub reels is effect data for controlling the rotation and stop of the sub reels 5 to 7, and the effect reel storage area exists in the ROM 83. Then, the effect data of the extracted sub reels is analyzed (step S374), and a sub reel control process for rotating the sub reels 5 to 7 for the effect is performed (step S375).

  With reference to the flowchart of FIG. 34, the main board | substrate communication task started by step S305 is demonstrated.

  The sub CPU 82 first initializes a transmission message queue that receives a command transmitted from the main control board 61 (step S391). Then, it is checked whether there is a command received in the transmission message queue (step S392), and it is determined whether a command different from the previous command is received (step S393). If a command different from the previous command is received, game information is created from the command (step S394). Specifically, game information is created from the parameters of the command. Then, the game information is stored in the game data storage area of the control RAM 84 (step S395), a reception command analysis process described later is performed (step S396), and the process returns to step S392. The received command analysis process is a process for analyzing the received command.

  The received command analysis process (step S396) will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

  First, the sub CPU 82 determines whether or not it is time to receive a start command (step S411), and if it is time to receive a start command, effect lottery processing for determining an effect to be executed upon reception of the start command by a predetermined lottery. (Step S412), a start command reception process (step S413) described later and a sub reel stop mode determination process (step S414) described later are performed.

  If it is not at the time of receiving the start command, it is determined whether or not it is at the time of receiving the reel stop command (step S415). When it is not at the time of receiving the reel stop command, it is determined whether or not it is at the time of receiving the display command (step S417), and when it is at the time of receiving the display command, processing at the time of receiving the display command described later is performed (step S418).

  When it is not at the time of receiving the display command, it is determined whether or not it is at the time of receiving the bonus start command (step S419). When it is at the time of receiving the bonus start command, the effect data is set according to the type of the bonus game. (Step S420). The production data includes reel control data for controlling the rotation of the sub reels 5 to 7 and the 4th reel 8, lamp data for controlling the lighting of the reel back lamps 47a to 47c, the reel lamps 48a to 48c, and the speakers 54, 96, and 96. Contains sound data that controls the sound output from the. Then, according to the type of the bonus game, the gaming state is changed to the BB gaming state (sub) or the MB gaming state (sub) (step S421). The BB gaming state (sub) means that a bonus game of BB1 or BB2 is being played, and the MB gaming state (sub) means that a bonus game of MB is being played. Here, the parenthesized “sub” indicates that these gaming states are different from those in the main control board 61 and are in the sub control board 62 (the same applies hereinafter).

  If it is not at the time of receiving the bonus start command, it is determined whether or not it is at the time of receiving the bonus end command (step S422), and if it is at the time of receiving the bonus end command, the effect data for the end of the bonus (reel control data) , Ramp data, sound data) are set (step S423), predetermined bonus end command reception processing is performed (step S424), and the gaming state on the sub-control board 62 is set to the general gaming state (sub) (step S425). ). If it is not a bonus end command reception, it is determined whether or not an input state command is received (step S423). If an input state command is received, an input state command reception process described later is performed (step S423). S424). In the process at the time of receiving the input state command, the control of the fluctuation and stop of the sub reels 5 to 7 in the special effect is performed. If it is not at the time of receiving the input state command, processing corresponding to the other received command is executed (step S425).

  If the received command is not when the bonus end command is received, effect data (reel control data, ramp data, sound data) is set based on the received command (step S426).

  The start command reception processing (step S413) will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, the sub CPU 82 determines whether or not the BB gaming state (sub) is set (step S441). When in the BB gaming state (sub), it is determined whether or not an SBB (super big bonus) flag is on (step S442). That is, in the sub-control board 62, the BB bonus game includes SBB and NBB (normal big bonus), as will be described in detail later, and the SBB flag indicates that the SBB bonus game is in progress. . In the main control board 61, there is no distinction between SBB and NBB even though there is a difference between BB1 and BB2.

  If the SBB flag is off and the NBB is in the BB gaming state (sub), the NBB effect data (reel control data, ramp data, sound data) is set (step S443).

  On the other hand, when the SBB flag is on and the SBB is being performed, the effect data for SBB is set (step S444).

  When it is not in the BB gaming state (sub) (N in step S441), it is determined whether or not it is in the MB gaming state (sub) (step S445). When it is in the BB gaming state (sub), the NBB effect data is set (step S446).

  When the game state is not the MB game state (sub) (N in step S445), since it is in the general game state (sub), the effect data for general game is set (step S447). Then, it is determined whether or not the internal winning combination is BB1 or BB2 (step S448). When the internal winning combination is either BB1 or BB2, SBB challenge zone effect data is set (step S449). That is, when the internal winning combination is BB1 or BB2, the player enters the SBB challenge zone that continues for three games. Therefore, the production data of the SBB challenge zone is set. In the SBB challenge zone, the light switching flag indicating that the cathode tube 403 is turned off and the black light 404 is turned on is turned on (step S550). Thereby, before moving to the SBB challenge zone, the symbols of the sub reels 5 to 7 that were clearly visible to the player as shown in FIG. 26 in the light of the cathode tube 403 are transferred to the SBB challenge zone. By illuminating with the black light 404 instead of the cathode tube 403, as shown in FIG. 27, it becomes dark and only the outline of the symbol can be confirmed. Thereby, it is also notified that BB1 or BB2 has been won internally (the existence of a carryover combination). Then, the SBB challenge zone flag indicating that it is in the SBB challenge zone is turned on (step S551). Then, the SBB challenge zone game number counter is set to 3 (step S552). The SBB challenge zone game number counter is a counter for managing the number of games in the SBB challenge zone. That is, the SBB challenge zone game number counter is decremented by 1 for each game as will be described later, and becomes 0 by continuing the SBB challenge zone for 3 games.

  With reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 37 and 38, the sub reel stop mode determination process (step S414) will be described.

  In this process, it is determined whether the internal winning combination is BB1, BB2, MB, loss, replay, special combination 1, special combination 2, corner cherry, or medium cherry (steps S461, S463, S465). , S467, S469, S471, S473, S475, S477), the stop table corresponding to the internal winning combination is determined (steps S462, S464, S466, S468, S470, S472, S474, S476, S478). Here, each stop table is a table in which data for determining the stop positions of the sub reels 5 to 7 is registered in accordance with the internal winning combination. Then, the determined stop table is set (step S479).

  The reel stop command reception process (step S416) will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, the sub CPU 82 determines the stop control positions of the sub reels 5 to 7 based on the stop table determined in the sub reel stop mode determination process (FIGS. 37 and 38) and the detected stop operation timing (step). S491). Then, effect data (reel control data, lamp data, sound data) corresponding to the stop control position is set (step S492).

  The display command reception process (step S418) will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, the sub CPU 82 determines whether or not the flag in the SBB challenge zone is on and the vehicle is in the SBB challenge zone (step S511). The flag in the SBB challenge zone is on, and when the flag is in the SBB challenge zone, it is determined whether or not the display combination of the main reels 2 to 4 is BB1 or BB2 (step S512). In the SBB challenge zone, as described above, when BB1 or BB2 is internally held as a carryover combination, three games continue from the time of the internal winning, but the display combination of main reels 2 to 4 is the carryover It becomes BB1 or BB2 which is a combination, and ends when the bonus game starts. Therefore, in this case, the SBB challenge zone flag is turned off (step S513), the SBB challenge zone is ended, the black light 404 that was turned on when entering the SBB challenge zone as described above is turned off, and the cathode tube 403 is turned off. Is turned on again, the light switching flag is turned off (step S514). Then, in order to start the bonus game as SBB when the carryover combination BB1 or BB2 becomes the display combination in the SBB challenge zone, the SBB flag indicating that the bonus game of SBB is being executed is turned on (step S515).

  If the display combination of the main reels 2 to 4 is not the carryover combination BB1 or BB2 (N in step S512), one game in the SBB challenge zone without the carryover combination BB1 or BB2 being the display combination Since it has been digested, 1 is subtracted from the value of the SBB challenge zone game number counter that manages the number of games in the SBB challenge zone (step S516). Then, it is determined whether or not the value of the SBB challenge zone game number counter has become 0 (step S517). When the value of the SBB challenge zone game count counter reaches 0, the BB1 or BB2, which is a carryover combination, has finished 3 games that can challenge the SBB challenge zone without being a display combination, so in the SBB challenge zone The flag in the SBB challenge zone indicating that it is is turned off (step S518). In addition, as the SBB challenge zone ends, the black light 404 that was turned on when entering the SBB challenge zone is turned off as described above, and the light switch flag is turned off to turn on the cathode fluorescent lamp 403 again (step S519). ).

  As described above, according to the gaming machine 1, after internally winning BB1 or BB2, the game machine 1 enters the SBB challenge zone for three games (steps S448 to S552). In the SBB challenge zone, if BB1 or BB2, which is a carryover combination during three games, becomes a display combination due to the player's aspiration, the bonus game of BB1 or BB2 becomes SBB. Further, if BB1 or BB2 which is a carryover combination during the three games does not become a display combination, the bonus game of the BB1 or BB2 becomes NBB.

  In the case of NBB, NBB effect data is used (step S443), and in the case of SBB, SBB effect data is used (step S444). The effect based on the SBB effect data is more advantageous to the player than the effect based on the NBB effect data. That is, in the production in the BB gaming state (sub) based on the NBB production data, if the special combination 1 or special combination 2 is won internally, if the internal winning combination is the special combination 1, the special combination 1 is won internally. When it is the special combination 2 that won the inside, the player is informed that the special combination 2 has been won internally.

  Specifically, a special role 1 or special role 2 that is internally won by the rotation of the 4th reel 8 (a special role 1 is a red 7 symbol, a special role 2 is a blue 7 symbol, etc.) For example, it is displayed or notified by sound output from the speakers 54, 96, 96. Further, when the gaming machine 1 is provided with a display such as a liquid crystal panel for production, it may be notified by an image displayed on the display.

  As described above, when the bonus game of BB1 or BB2 is SBB, if the internal winning is made to the special role 1 or the special role 2, the fact of the internal winning is notified, so that the player can easily make the special role by pushing. 1. You can earn medals by aligning the symbols of special role 2.

  And, in the RB gaming state (BB gaming state (sub)), in many cases, the internal winning combination of special role 1 or special role 2 (see FIG. 8), the player can easily easily play special role 1, special role By acquiring the medals by combining the symbols of the role 2, by suppressing the number of medals consumed to earn 345 medals (see FIG. 13) of the maximum number of medals that can be acquired in one bonus game. , Can secure more medals.

  In this way, in the bonus game of BB1 or BB2, the SBB in which such an internal winning combination is notified is more advantageous to the player than the NBB. Therefore, when the player enters the SBB challenge zone, the combination of symbols of BB1 or BB2 that has been carried over within 3 games (whether main reels 2 to 4 or sub reels 5 to 7, "red 7- Red 7-Red 7 "or" Blue 7-Blue 7-Blue 7 "symbol combinations). The player plays the game while gazing at the sub reels 5 to 7 that are smaller in size and lower than the height of the line of sight, but larger in size and close to the line of sight. Since the cathode tube 403 is turned off and the black light 404 is turned on during the SBB challenge zone, the symbols of the sub reels 5 to 7 look like black shadows as shown in FIG. 27 and are not obvious. Therefore, the player guesses the symbols of red 7 (reference 501) and blue 7 (reference 502) which are the symbols of BB1 or BB2 from the outline of the symbol that looks like a black shadow (but the black shadow It is difficult to distinguish red 7 (symbol 501) and blue 7 (symbol 502) only by the outline of the symbol that looks like this. Therefore, the interest of the game can be improved compared to the case where the design can be clearly seen in the light of the cathode tube 403.

  Further, since the black light 404 irradiates the entire circumference of the sub reels 5 to 7 from the drum of the sub reels 5 to 7, and the sub reels 5 to 7 are translucent, when the black light 404 illuminates the sub reels 5 to 7, It can also be seen that light is emitted around the symbol of the portion on the opposite side (portion 410 in FIG. 4) as viewed from the player through the reel display window 50. This allows the player to see the symbols on the opposite side (reference numeral 410) as viewed from the player on the sub reels 5 to 7 as if they move in a black shadow. It is possible to improve the interest of the game by thinking about where the symbols (reference numeral 501) and blue 7 (reference numeral 502) should be pressed.

  Then, such a highly entertaining game can be performed without using an effect produced by the liquid crystal display device, and the manufacturing cost of the gaming machine can be reduced.

  Also, there are two types of BB, BB1 and BB2, and these symbols are also divided into two types, red 7 (reference numeral 501) and blue 7 (reference numeral 502), respectively. When the sub reels 5 to 7 are illuminated, it is difficult for the player to determine which of the two types of second symbols is based on the contour of the symbol that looks like a black shadow. Therefore, the player guesses whether the symbol is red 7 (reference numeral 501) or blue 7 (reference numeral 502) from the outline of the symbol that looks like a black shadow, and performs the BB1 within three games. Or, since it is going to be uplifting to arrange the symbols of BB2, the interest of the game can be further improved.

  In the above example, the black light 404 is provided on the sub reels 5 to 7 and the SBB challenge zone is played on the sub reels 5 to 7. However, the main reels 2 to 4 are also provided with cathode tubes and black lights. You may be able to play games in the SBB challenge zone.

It is a top view which shows the external appearance of the game machine which is one Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the electrical connection of a game machine. It is a block diagram which shows the electrical connection of the sub control board of a game machine. It is a right view explaining arrangement | positioning of the illumination with respect to a sub reel. It is explanatory drawing of the symbol arrangement | positioning table of a special symbol. It is explanatory drawing of an internal lottery table determination table. It is explanatory drawing of the internal lottery table for general game states. It is explanatory drawing of the internal lottery table for RB game states. It is explanatory drawing of the internal lottery table for RT game states. It is explanatory drawing of the internal winning combination determination table for a small combination and replay. It is explanatory drawing of the internal winning combination determination table for bonuses. It is explanatory drawing of a symbol combination table. It is explanatory drawing of the table at the time of a bonus action | operation. It is explanatory drawing of an internal winning combination storing area. It is explanatory drawing of the carryover combination storage area. It is explanatory drawing of the operating flag storage area. It is a main flowchart by control of main CPU. It is a main flowchart by control of main CPU. It is a flowchart of a bonus operation | movement monitoring process. It is a flowchart of an internal lottery process. It is a flowchart of a reel stop control process. It is a flowchart of a bonus end check process. It is a flowchart of RT game number control processing. It is a flowchart of a bonus operation check process. It is a flowchart of the interruption process by control of main CPU. It is a top view of a decoration design. It is a top view when a decoration design is illuminated with black light. It is a symbol arrangement | positioning table of a decoration symbol. It is a comparison table of a special design and a decoration design. It is a flowchart of the process performed at the time of power activation. It is a flowchart of a lamp control task. It is a flowchart of a sound control task. It is a flowchart of a sub reel control task. It is a flowchart of the main board | substrate communication task. It is a flowchart of a received command analysis process. It is a flowchart of a process at the time of start command reception. It is a flowchart of the stop mode determination process for sub reels. It is a flowchart of the stop mode determination process for sub reels. It is a flowchart of a process at the time of reel stop command reception. It is a flowchart of a process at the time of display command reception.

Explanation of symbols

1 gaming machine 2 main reel 3 main reel 4 main reel 5 sub reel 6 sub reel 7 sub reel 33 start lever 34 stop button 35 stop button 36 stop button

Claims (3)

A plurality of symbols are respectively attached to the outer peripheral surface, the symbols are formed of a non-fluorescent material, and a plurality of translucent reels formed of a fluorescent material around the symbols on the outer peripheral surface;
A display window for displaying the symbol corresponding to each reel,
A role defining means for defining a plurality of roles including the first role relating to the operation of the bonus game;
A combination of a plurality of symbols displayed in the display window corresponding to each of the plurality of roles defined by the role defining means is defined, and a first symbol corresponding to the first role A symbol combination defining means for defining a combination of
Start operation detecting means for detecting the start operation;
Internal winning combination lottery means for performing lottery for determining an internal winning combination from among the combinations defined by the combination defining means triggered by detection of the start operation performed by the start operation detecting unit;
An internal winning combination determining means for determining an internal winning combination based on the lottery by the winning combination lottery means;
A symbol changing means for changing a symbol displayed on the display window triggered by detection of a start operation performed by the start operation detecting means;
Stop operation detecting means for detecting the stop operation;
Stop control means for stopping and controlling fluctuations of symbols displayed on the display window based on detection of the stop operation performed by the stop operation detecting means;
A first illumination that irradiates the reel with light having a visible light region as a center of an optical spectrum;
A second illumination that is provided in the drum of the reel and irradiates light having an ultraviolet light region at the center of an optical spectrum with respect to a front periphery of the reel;
A number-of-games counting means for counting the number of unit games until the combination of the first symbols is displayed on the display window after internal winning of the first combination;
When the first combination is won internally, the first illumination is turned off and the second illumination is turned on, and when the game number counting means reaches a predetermined number, the second illumination is turned off. Lighting control means for turning on the first lighting;
Bonus game operating means for operating a bonus game when the stop control is performed so that the first combination is won internally and the combination of the first symbols is displayed on the display window;
When the stop control is performed so that the combination of the first symbols is displayed on the display window until the number-of-games counting means reaches a predetermined number of times after internally winning the first combination, Profit granting means for giving a relatively advantageous profit to the player as compared to when the stop control is not performed so that the first symbol combination is displayed in the display window during the bonus game When,
A gaming machine characterized by comprising: The role defining means defines a second role which is a role related to payout of a predetermined amount of game value,
The symbol combination defining means defines a second symbol combination corresponding to the second role,
The bonus game actuating means increases the probability of internal winning in the second combination during games other than during the bonus game during the bonus game,
The profit granting means performs the stop control so that the combination of the first symbols is displayed on the display window from when the first winning combination is won internally until the number-of-games counting means reaches a predetermined number of times. When performed, during the bonus game, when the second winning combination is internally won, the profit is given by notifying the second winning fact of the internal winning.
The gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein: The role defining means defines two types of the first role,
The symbol combination defining means defines different combinations of the first symbols corresponding to the two types of first roles,
The two types of first designs have the same contour shape,
The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that.

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